Though stereo sound has long been the standard for listening to music, Damon Krukowski argues that single-channel mono can actually offer a superior experience—an opinion shared by Brian Wilson, the Beatles, as well as many jazz greats.

Pitchfork's 2006 year-end mania officially commences with the first of a two-day series in which we revisit the past 12 months, chronicling the ups, downs, and random sideways twists of the motley cast of characters who populate our news section.